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Schoolwires Service Combines Content Management with Web 2.0

By Dian Schaffhauser

07/15/08

Schoolwires has launched Centricity, a Web-based service that combines K-12 Web site management, online community management, and collaboration and communication tools. "Superintendents at dozens of districts have told us that one of their primary strategic objectives is to facilitate communication around high stakes issues and among multiple constituents--from parents to principals to taxpayers," Schoolwires CEO Ed Marflak said. "Centricity was developed with this need very much in mind."

The service, which performs the activities of a content management system, lets users create and update multiple Web sites and implement features on those sites such as blogs, social networks, and user ratings.

"From 'No Child Left Behind' public reporting requirements....to parents expecting access to their children's test scores and progress indicators...to taxpayers demanding justification for increased spending...superintendents are being held accountable as never before," said Superintendent Stan Scheer of Murrieta Valley Unified School District in California, a Schoolwires customer.

His district sought a way to disseminate information to various constituents and a means for teachers to move some of their efforts in the classroom online. "In the classroom, teachers have begun teaching online. They're posting math, social studies, and reading assignments. They're encouraging students to create blogs and participate in surveys--expressing opinions and demonstrating comprehension."

The company said it has also updated Synergy, its file-sharing solution, and Assist Service, a Web-based process for requesting, tracking, and fulfilling service requests within a district or school.